Philodendrons are some of the most popular houseplants around. Their lush, heart-shaped leaves brighten up any indoor space. While all Philodendrons share similar traits, there is remarkable diversity within this plant genus. From vining types to self-heading varieties, read on to discover 17 striking types of Philodendron that will bring life and greenery to your home.
Whether you’re a plant parent looking to expand your indoor jungle or simply want to learn more about these tropical beauties, this guide covers must-have Philodendron types you’ll want to add to your collection.
Let’s explore the wide world of Philodendron together!
17 types of Philodendron
1. Philodendron Birkin
Botanical name: Philodendron Birkin
If you’re looking for a unique and striking type of philodendron, the Philodendron Birkin is a great choice.
It features beautiful dark green leaves with striking white pinstripes that resemble a painter’s brush strokes. The leaves have an elongated shape and can grow up to 12 inches in length.
The Philodendron Birkin is a compact and bushy plant that’s perfect for small spaces or tabletop decoration. It thrives in bright, indirect light and prefers a well-draining soil mix.
To care for your Philodendron Birkin, water it when the top inch of soil feels dry and mist the leaves regularly to provide humidity. When it comes to propagation, you can easily propagate the Birkin through stem cuttings.
2. Black Gold Philodendron
Botanical name: Philodendron melanochrysum
The Black Gold Philodendron is a popular philodendron variety known for its dark, glossy leaves. The leaves of the Black Gold Philodendron are heart-shaped and have a deep green color with a lustrous sheen.
They can grow up to 4 inches in length and have a unique pattern of contrasting veins. This plant has a climbing growth habit and prefers a well-draining soil mix with organic matter.
The Black Gold Philodendron requires bright, indirect light and regular watering. Allow the soil to dry out slightly between waterings.
Propagating this philodendron can be done through stem cuttings in water or soil. Compared to other philodendron varieties, the black gold philodendron stands out for its striking foliage and easy-care nature.
Also Read: 16 Different Calathea Varieties – Stunning Calathea Types
3. Philodendron Pink Princess
Botanical name: Philodendron erubescens
You’ll love the stunning coloration of the Pink Princess Philodendron.
Its unique leaf patterns are truly a sight to behold. The heart-shaped leaves showcase a mesmerizing combination of green, pink, and white variegation, creating a striking contrast.
The Pink Princess Philodendron is a climbing vine that can reach impressive heights, making it an ideal choice for hanging baskets or trellises. To propagate this philodendron, you can use stem cuttings and ensure they have at least one node for successful root formation.
The Pink Princess prefers bright, indirect light and well-draining soil. Keep the soil slightly moist and avoid overwatering.
4. Philodendron Brasil
Botanical name: Philodendron hederaceum ‘Brasil’
Philodendron Brasil is a type of philodendron that has heart-shaped leaves with vibrant green coloration and distinct yellow stripes running down the center of each leaf. This unique leaf pattern adds a touch of elegance to any indoor space.
The Philodendron Brasil is a relatively easy plant to propagate, as it can be done through stem cuttings or by separating the offsets from the main plant.
For optimal growth, place the Philodendron Brasil in a well-lit area away from direct sunlight and provide it with a humid environment.
5. Philodendron Moonlight
Botanical name: Philodendron hederaceum ‘Moonlight’
If you’re looking for a philodendron with unique foliage, consider the Philodendron Moonlight.
The Philodendron Moonlight showcases vibrant, lime-green leaves that have a heart-shaped form. Its leaves are glossy and have a smooth texture, adding to its allure.
This philodendron is an excellent choice for indoor gardening, as it thrives in bright, indirect light and prefers well-draining soil.
To propagate the Philodendron Moonlight, you can use stem cuttings or air layering techniques. It is important to provide regular watering, allowing the soil to dry slightly between each watering session.
6. Philodendron Selloum
Botanical name: Philodendron bipinnatifidum
Consider adding a Philodendron Selloum to your indoor plant collection for its lush and tropical appearance.
Its large, deeply lobed leaves give it a distinct and exotic look, with a glossy, dark green color. The Philodendron Selloum is a vigorous grower, capable of reaching heights of up to 10 feet. It thrives in bright, indirect light and prefers well-draining soil with regular watering.
To ensure its healthy growth, be mindful of common pests such as aphids and spider mites, as well as diseases like root rot. Propagation is possible through stem cuttings or division.
7. Heartleaf Philodendron
Botanical name: Philodendron hederaceum var. hederaceum
The Heartleaf Philodendron is a popular philodendron among indoor plant enthusiasts.
The leaves of the Heartleaf Philodendron are typically dark green, glossy, and have a velvety texture. It is a vining plant that can grow up to 10 feet long, making it perfect for hanging baskets or trailing down bookshelves.
It thrives in well-draining soil kept consistently moist but not overly saturated. When it comes to pests, the Heartleaf Philodendron is relatively resistant, but you should be on the lookout for common pests like aphids or spider mites.
This plant can be propagated through stem cuttings, which can easily root in water or moist soil. Some popular varieties of the Heartleaf Philodendron include the ‘Brasil’ with its variegated leaves and the ‘Lemon Lime’ with its bright yellow foliage.
8. Velvet Leaf Philodendron
Botanical name: Philodendron hederaceum ‘Micans’
If you’re looking for a unique type of philodendron to add to your indoor plant collection, you should definitely check out the Velvet Leaf Philodendron.
With its heart-shaped leaves, the Velvet Leaf Philodendron adds a touch of elegance to any room. The leaves of this variety have a velvety texture and come in a stunning shade of deep green, with veins that resemble a darker shade of green.
The Velvet Leaf Philodendron is known for its trailing growth habit, making it an ideal choice for hanging baskets or cascading down shelves.
This plant thrives in bright, indirect light and prefers well-draining soil. When it comes to propagation methods, the Velvet Leaf Philodendron can be easily propagated through stem cuttings.
9. Ecuador Philodendron
Botanical name: Philodendron verrucosum
The Ecuador Philodendron is a philodendron type known for its unique leaf characteristics, which feature a velvety texture and a deep green color. The leaves are heart-shaped and can grow to be quite large, reaching up to 14 inches in length.
As for its growth habit, this philodendron is a climbing vine which makes it an ideal choice for those looking to create a lush and tropical atmosphere in their indoor spaces.
To ensure optimal growth, provide the Ecuador Philodendron with bright indirect light and keep the soil slightly moist. You can easily propagate this plant through stem cuttings.
10. Philodendron Imperial Red
Botanical name: Philodendron erubescens ‘Imperial Red’
This stunning philodendron type has leaves that are heart-shaped, with a deep red color that radiates elegance and warmth. The leaves can grow up to 8 inches long and 6 inches wide, creating a lush and vibrant display.
The Imperial Red has a climbing growth habit which makes it an excellent choice for those seeking a plant to train on a trellis or moss pole.
To care for this beauty, provide it with a well-draining soil mix rich in organic matter. Place it in bright, indirect light to maintain its intense leaf color.
Propagation can be done through stem cuttings. With proper care, the Philodendron Imperial Red will thrive and bring a touch of sophistication to your indoor space.
11. Philodendron White Princess
Botanical name: Philodendron erubescens ‘White Princess
This type of philodendron is a captivating plant with variegated leaves that feature shades of green and white.
The leaves of the Philodendron White Princess are heart-shaped and have a striking combination of green and white colors, creating a visually appealing display.
This plant has a climbing growth habit, making it an ideal choice for those looking to create vertical interest in their indoor or outdoor spaces.
To care for your Philodendron white princess, provide it with bright, indirect light and keep the soil consistently moist, but not waterlogged.
Propagation can be done through stem cuttings, which should be rooted in water or a well-draining soil mix.
12. Philodendron Red Emerald
Botanical name: Philodendron erubescens ‘Red Emerald’
Philodendron Red Emerald has heart-shaped leaves that are a rich, deep green color. The leaves can grow up to 6 inches long and have a glossy texture, adding to its allure.
The Philodendron Red Emerald has a climbing growth habit and thrives in bright, indirect light. To care for it, you should use a well-draining soil mix, which includes organic matter.
Propagating this plant can be done through stem cuttings placed in water or a propagation mix. Regular pruning is recommended to maintain its compact size and promote healthy growth.
13. Philodendron Silver Sword
Botanical name: Philodendron hastatum
The Silver Sword Philodendron is cherished for its unique and attractive botanical features. Its leaves are elongated and shaped like a sword, with a silver-gray hue that adds a touch of elegance to any space.
This type of philodendron has a vining growth habit and it’s suitable for hanging baskets or climbing up a moss pole.
To ensure its well-being, provide bright, indirect light, and water regularly, allowing the top inch of soil to dry out between waterings.
The Silver Sword can be easily propagated through stem cuttings.
14. Philodendron Shangri-La
Botanical name: Thaumatophyllum binnatifidum ‘Shangri-La’
Philodendron Shangri-La is characterized by its large, deeply lobed leaves that can reach up to 3 feet in length. The leaves are a vibrant green color, giving the plant a lush and tropical appearance.
The Philodendron Shangri-La has a clumping growth habit, with multiple stems emerging from the base. It thrives in bright, indirect light and prefers well-drained soil.
This philodendron can be propagated through stem cuttings or by division.
15. Philodendron Burle Marx
Botanical name: Philodendron Burle-Marxii G.M.Barroso
This unique philodendron variety is named after the renowned Brazilian landscape architect, Roberto Burle Marx, who was known for his passion for plants and their integration into design.
Philodendron Burle Marx stands out with its large, heart-shaped leaves that feature vibrant shades of green, creating a stunning visual appeal.
Its leaves can grow up to 2 feet long, making it an impressive addition to any indoor space. This philodendron type is a climber, meaning it has the ability to attach itself to structures and grow vertically.
It thrives in a humid environment, so misting the leaves regularly will help maintain its health.
When it comes to displaying Philodendron Burle Marx in your home, get creative! Consider placing it in a hanging planter or training it to grow along a trellis. This will not only showcase its unique beauty but also create a sense of belonging and harmony in your living space.
16. Philodendron Billietiae
Botanical name: Philodendron billietiae
This type of philodendron is characterized by its large, heart-shaped leaves that have a glossy, dark green color. The leaves can grow up to 12 inches long and have prominent veins.
Philodendron Billietiae is a climbing plant that prefers to grow on a support structure. It thrives in warm and humid environments, with temperatures between 65-85°F and humidity levels around 50-70%.
When propagating Philodendron Billietiae, you can use stem cuttings or air layering methods. It is important to regularly water the plant to keep the soil moist, but avoid overwatering to prevent root rot.
17. Philodendron Lemon Lime
Botanical name: Philodendron hederaceum ‘Lemon Lime’
The Philodendron Lemon Lime is a popular houseplant known for its vibrant foliage and easy care requirements.
Its leaves are heart-shaped and have a stunning combination of bright green and yellow colors, resembling the hues of lemon and lime.
This philodendron is a climber and thrives in environments with moderate to bright indirect light. It prefers well-draining soil and should be watered when the top inch of soil feels dry. Propagation can be done by stem cuttings, simply placing them in water or moist soil.
The best indoor locations for this plant are areas with ample indirect light, such as near a north or east-facing window.
